Father of killed Port Leyden driver says no reason for crash

BOONVILLE — Kevin Ward Jr.’s funeral will be at 11 this morning in the auditorium of South Lewis Senior High School, 4264 East Road, Turin. Calling hours for Mr. Ward were Wednesday at Trainor Funeral Home, 143 Schuyler St.

The father of the driver from Port Leyden run over and killed by Tony Stewart told the Syracuse Post-Standard that “there’s no reason for” the crash that led to his son’s death.

Mr. Ward Jr. was sent into the wall when his car was bumped by Stewart’s in a dirt-track race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park on Saturday night in Canandaigua. Mr. Ward got out of the car and walked onto the track, where he was hit by Stewart.

Kevin Ward Sr. told the Post-Standard that “Tony Stewart was the best damn driver by far on the track that night. Why he had to go up as high as he did and hog my son, there’s no reason for it.”

When the 20-year-old Ward got out of his damaged car, he walked on the track and appeared to point at Stewart. Other cars drove past him, but Stewart’s right-rear tire appeared to hit him and drag him along the track.

“Apparently, Tony Stewart was the only one driving out there who didn’t see him,” Mr. Ward Sr. told the newspaper.

No charges have been filed against Stewart, but an investigation is underway.

Mr. Ward Sr. also addressed that in his interview with the newspaper, saying: “The one person that knows what happened that night is possibly facing 10 years in prison. Is he going to say what he done?”

A Johnson Newspapers reporter has been in contact with members of the Ward family, including Mr. Ward Sr., but they have declined to comment until they have had a chance to grieve.

Johnson newspapers staff contributed to this report.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.